Vide Noir
Lord Huron · 2018
49 min · 12 tracks · indie folk
A haunting blend of atmospheric melodies and introspective lyrics that transport listeners through time and space.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Lost in Time and Space — This opening track sets the tone for the entire album with its ethereal instrumentation and existential reflections, drawing listeners into Lord Huron's world.
-
→
Ancient Names, Part I — The song features a driving rhythm and vivid storytelling that captures the tension between nostalgia and progress, embodying the album's overarching themes.
-
→
When the Night Is Over — This track blends euphoric melodies with contemplative lyrics about fleeting moments, showcasing the band's ability to balance joy and melancholy.
-
→
Vide Noir — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its haunting atmosphere and lyrical exploration of darkness and light, reflecting personal journeys.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong atmospheric writing and cohesive themes but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow, atmospheric track that gradually builds in intensity, setting a cinematic tone for the following songs.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies that create a rich, immersive soundscape, particularly in 'Ancient Names, Part I' and 'Ancient Names, Part II'.
- The last three tracks shift towards a more reflective mood, with stripped-back instrumentation and slower tempos, allowing for a contemplative conclusion.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady progression with resolution
- dreamy soundscapes for reflection
- longing melodies for introspection
- exploratory themes of adventure
- ideal for evening relaxation
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on April 20, 2018, Vide Noir is Lord Huron's third studio album, following their critically acclaimed sophomore release, Strange Trails. By this point in their career, the band had solidified their distinctive sound while exploring darker themes and complex narratives.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Fleet Foxes· Sufjan Stevens· Iron & Wine
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
Secret of Life
The narrative voice shifts from introspection to a direct address about life's transient nature.
This shift invites listeners into a shared experience, transforming personal contemplation into a collective reflection on existence.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lost in Time and Space 4:44
- 2 Never Ever 2:52
- 3 Ancient Names, Part I 6:02
- 4 Ancient Names, Part II 2:05
- 5 Wait by the River 3:11
- 6 Secret of Life 3:50
- 7 Back From the Edge 3:03
- 8 The Balancer’s Eye 4:29
- 9 When the Night Is Over 5:12
- 10 Moonbeam 4:19
- 11 Vide Noir 4:30
- 12 Emerald Star 4:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.